Valheim
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Valheim Guide

The Complete Valheim Server Guide

This guide covers running a Valheim server on 8Bit Hosting. It covers first connection, configuration, mods, admin, performance, backups and security. Everything is done from the 8Bit Hosting panel.

1. Get your server online

Start the server from the panel and wait for Running. Use Join Game → Join IP with port 2456. Your IP and port (2456) are shown at the top of the server page.

2. Essential configuration

Open the Startup tab in the left sidebar to edit startup arguments. The settings you'll touch most are -name, -world, -password (5+ chars). Edit, save, then Restart to apply. Always take a backup before large changes.

3. Adding mods

Install BepInEx from Startup, add Thunderstore mods to BepInEx/plugins; every player needs them too. Stop the server, add your files via the File Manager or SFTP, then start up and watch the Console for load messages. Keep everything matched to your server version, mismatches are the #1 cause of join failures.

4. Players & admins

Add SteamID64s to adminlist.txt; use permitlist.txt to whitelist. Only hand admin to people you trust, and use strong passwords for admin features.

5. Performance & optimisation

Fewer structures/portals and a higher plan reduce lag. Watch the CPU/RAM graphs on your server page, if you're regularly near 100%, the simplest fix is moving up a plan. Schedule a daily restart to keep memory clean.

6. Backups & updates

Your important data lives in the worlds_local folder (.db + .fwl). Use Premium Backups (off-site encrypted backups) before any big change. To update: Restart to update via SteamCMD; update BepInEx mods to match.

7. Security & privacy

A server -password (5+ chars) keeps it private. Combine a password/whitelist with a short admin list and regular backups for a safe, stable server.

8. Troubleshooting checklist

  • Crossplay can't join, check crossplay/Startup flags.
  • Mods out of sync, match BepInEx mods.
  • Can't connect, ports 2456 and 2457 both needed.

Need a hand?

Open a support ticket with the error from your Console and our team will help you get sorted.

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